Yediyurappa might stake claim to form government

Bangalore, Oct 8 (UNI) The BJP might stake claim to form the next government in Karnataka in the event of Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy tendering his resignation.

A senior party leader told UNI that former Deputy Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, who began a whirlwind tour of the state in Tumkur to highlight the people about the 'backstabbing' of the Janata Dal (Secular) on the transfer of power issue, cut short his visit and returned to the city.

A number of party leaders gathered at Mr Yediyurappa's residence waiting for his arrival.

Former Health Minister R Ashok indicated that the party was waiting for a word from Governor Rameshwar Thakur after Mr Kumaraswamy tendered his resignation.

The party was expecting the Governor to call the BJP first and seek whether it could form the government as it was the single largest party in the Assembly with 79 members.

Rumours were rife that Mr Yediyurappa might stake claim to form the government with the support of a section of JD(S) legislators.

However, a senior national-level BJP leader had discounted such a rumour, stating that any move should have the sanction of the central leadership and the BJP Parliamentary Board had already decided that the state party should go for elections.

The Congress was also keenly watching the developments and Party General Secretary Prithviraj Chauhan incharge of Karnataka affairs met the Governor for the second time today.

UNI